Investigation of Nonvegetal Windbreaks and Mechanical Evaporation Suppressing Techniques for Decreasing Evaporation from Small Reservoirs

摘要

Hexadecanol has shown promise as a water evaporation suppressing agent. Field investigations showed that maintaining film coverage over water with wind blowing was very difficult. The investigation reported in this dissertation was carried out in the laboratory where a wind tunnel provided more stable air velocities. Computer facilities were used to analyze all data. A multivariable regression program using the least squares method was used to evaluate film coverage when no barriers were present. Linear regression analyses were used to determine the several barrier influence relationships. The laboratory study produced a prediction equation using dimensionless ratios that permitted calculation of the film coverage under varying conditions. Barrier height influenced the extent of film coverage in the lee of the barrier but did not significantly influence coverage at the downwind end of the reservoir when a single upwind barrier was used. Barrier width did not significantly influence film coverage when low, flat barriers were used. The amount of perforated area, position of perforations, and barrier slopes did not significantly influence film coverage under the conditions set up in the laboratory.